And what’s it like elsewhere?

The French mathematics community has an enviable reputation on the world scene in almost every branch of the discipline. The great quality of its contributions is no small measure due to the importance of mathematics in French culture and training programmes, as well as the possibilities offered by full-time research posts such as those of the EPSTs (CNRS, INRA, INRIA, IRSTEA, IFFSTAR, IRD or INED), the EPICs (CEA, IFREMER, ANDRA) and the EPAs (SHOM).

« This type de post is rare, if not nonexistent, in other countries. »
John Ball (Prof. Univ. Oxford), in Mathématiques, l’explosion continue.

Mathematics in France, however, is more cloistered than elsewhere. The system of training and research units (UFRs) and the National Council of Universities (CNU) often acts as a brake on pluri-disciplinarity, unlike in the US or England where the links are stronger between mathematicians and physicists or biologists. In those countries, there are many research posts split between two institutes or departments as well as a number of small mixed groups. More mixing, but also more curiosity and enthusiasm: a climate that encourages discussion and ideas! But recent French initiatives are changing the situation. In the site, we cite several such initiatives (see french initiatives).